Prospect Ramblings

Zach Hopkins checks in with the latest on some Flyers prospects, the Frozen Four and more...

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Hello again. This is your favorite rookie rambler Zach Hopkins back for another edition of Prospect Ramblings. I’ll be splitting this week with my good pal Austin Wallace (look for his ramblings later this week) so hold on and enjoy the ride!

Those of you who are familiar with me know that I scout the Philadelphia Flyers organization and typically start my ramblings off with some thoughts on the orange and black. This time around, I think I’ll switch it up. Just kidding; here we go…

February 2015 - As part of the Evander Kane-Tyler Myers swap, Joel Armia is headed to the Winnipeg Jets organization. Playing with Rochester, Armia has produced well in his sophomore AHL season (32GP-10G-15A-25P) and should give Winnipeg a near NHL-ready winger for call-up in the short term. With few right-shooting wingers ahead of him on the Jets prospect depth charts, this move benefits Armia. Brendan Ross

October 2014- Armia looked determined to prove a point to Sabres management that he's ready to take that next step. He was arguably the Sabres best player at the prospect camp and even though the team disappointed they had to have been happy with the way their 2011 1st round pick played. Ultimately it wasn't enough to take a roster spot from fellow first rounder Sam Reinhart or a more seasoned Sabre under contract. Mikhail Grigorenko will likely be the first Amerk recalled but look for Armia to have his name called on a couple of occasions this season. A big season in Rochester could be on the horizon and fantasy owners should be keeping a close watch. See below to witness a lovely bit of skill from the 6'3" finnish power forward Travis Watson

June 2014- It was a disappointing debut season for Joel Armia getting off to a rough start breaking his hand in training camp. The injury certainly limited him and seemingly may have lingered on throughout the season. Armia who's known as a promising up-and-coming power forward with a knack for scoring goals was only able to hit the twine for seven in 54 regular season games. He finished the year with a disappointing 27 points spread out among many ineffective games. However, he was able to pick it up a notch when it matter most and led the Amerks attack with three goals and three assists before being ousted in five games by the Jake Allen led Chicago Wolves. The young Finnish wingers strong end to the year bodes well for his confidence heading into an important summer where he looks to re-enter the mix for top nine contention in Buffalo and reassert himself as one of Buffalo's top prospects. Travis Watson

August 2013- Sabres fans will be happy to hear that their 2011 first round draft pick will be making his way to North America for the 2013 season. Whether it is in Rochester or Buffalo will be up to Armia. Since he wasn't able to make the trek for development camp in July due to previous commitment, he will have to make an even bigger impression at training camp to stick with the big league club. Lucky for Armia the Sabres depth chart on the wings is much weaker than any other position so if he does start the year in the AHL there is still a good chance of him getting the call when injury bug hits the Sabres roster. Travis Watson

December 2012 - Armia has slowed down since the start of the season and now has 10 goals and 14 points in 24 games. He suffered a concussion after a dirty hit mid-November but returned to the rink in December. Armia will be one of the go-to guys for Finland in the upcoming World Juniors.Miika Arponen

October 2012 - Armia has started the 2012/13 season very well. He has five goals and three assists in eight games and is +2 on that span. He has strengthened and matured from last year and there's a very good chance that he'll make the leap to the NHL in 2013/14. Miika Arponen

July 2012 – Armia moved forward in his second season with Assat of the Finnish Elite League. He also excreted himself at the World Juniors with seven points which was good enough tie for third on the Finnish team. Armia recently signed his three year entry level contract, but it is expected he will be loaned back to Assat for the upcoming season. Jason Banks

December, 2011 – When you’re looking up at names like Tomas Zaborsky, Stephen Dixon and Radek Smolenak, chances are you’re doing something wrong. Fresh off a breakthrough rookie campaign in the Finnish SM-Liiga that saw the 6’3 winger net 18 goals and 29 points, Joel Armia struggled to reach 18 points before the start of the WJC. The 16th overall pick this past June, Armia is a dynamic scorer when he wants to be- but too often he plays a role of passenger, as he was in a disastrous start for Assat. Matt Bugg

Highly likely that Armia will see some time in Buffalo for the 2013-14 season but temper your expectations as this will be is first season playing in North America and will take some seasoning before he is an everyday impact player.

Footage:

Armia with the filthy toe drag which may go down as the goal of the 2015 season and it comes on the AHL's opening night:

Prospect Ramblings

Zach Hopkins checks in with the latest on some Flyers prospects, the Frozen Four and more...

*

Hello again. This is your favorite rookie rambler Zach Hopkins back for another edition of Prospect Ramblings. I’ll be splitting this week with my good pal Austin Wallace (look for his ramblings later this week) so hold on and enjoy the ride!

Those of you who are familiar with me know that I scout the Philadelphia Flyers organization and typically start my ramblings off with some thoughts on the orange and black. This time around, I think I’ll switch it up. Just kidding; here we go…